Keeping alive the Islamic tradition of scholarship, insight, and purification...one day at a time.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

LESSON OF THE DAY 1003

Ayahs of the Day:He shows you signs of the divine, sending down provision for you from the sky; yet no one takes need except the repentant. So pray to God with sincere devotion, even though the unbelievers, may not like it. [40: 13,14]

Hadith of the Day:Leave what makes you doubt for what does not make you doubt. [Tirmidhi]

Wise Quote of the Day:Patience is adherence to the ordinances to the Book and the sunna. [Al Khawwas]

Guidance of the Day:It is very difficult to get the mind to be quiet. As long as we are thinking most of the time, we might as well put into our mind the kind of thoughts that will lead to joy and freedom, and avoid those which lead to confusion. The world of thoughts is similar to that of emotions--------there are thoughts that bring liberation, and thoughts that bring bondage. Whenever we read something, for example, we are making a deposit into the bank of our consciousness. We can choose which thoughts will think.

The energies of inner awakening must be channeled productively, and not dissipated through purposeless thoughts and emotional indulgence. These matters are vital to your progress, and your progress is of the greatest concern. We urge you to use common sense in your upward journey. Temper your lofty ideals with practicality and wisdom. Wisdom shall be given to you to deal with matters on which you seek guidance with earnestness and sincerity. [Cohen, The Dragon Doesn't Live Here Anymore]

Food for Thought:The more you depend on the forces outside yourself, the more you are dominated by them. When our focus is constantly aimed at our outer world, it prevents us from spending time cultivating that which nurtures our essence. Notice how much time you spend doing things that support your essence.